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"Safe" Sunscreen Is Recalled

by Carolyn Buchanan on September 27, 2013

Carolyn Buchanan

About the Author

B.C. (before children), Carolyn was trained as a journalist — a generalist journalist. Now as a parent, she experiences news differently. What was once an item of passing interest, i.e. "Toy Train Runs on Lead Paint" or "Midnight Release Planned for Latest Power Rangers Movie" now consumes her life. Still she trains her eye to find the family relevance in everything new, and that's what she endeavors to share with you here. As a parent, and a writer for What to Expect, she will be your family-news filter (with a personal twist).

About the Blog

WhatToExpect.com supports Word of Mom as a place to share stories and highlight the many perspectives and experiences of pregnancy and parenting. However, the opinions expressed in this section are those of individual writers and do not reflect the views of Heidi Murkoff of the What to Expect brand.

Summary: W.S. Badger has issued a voluntary recall of its SPF 30 Baby and Kids sun protection products due to contamination. Parents who have purchased these lotions should not use them and may return products for a full refund, or contact Badger directly at 1-800-603-6100 or recalls@badgerbalm.com.

It's bad enough that parents must be vigilant about ensuring their children's safe food supply. Now a skin product manufacturer has issued a voluntary recall of its bestselling Badger SPF 30 Baby and Kids Sunscreen Lotions. The concern is that the products may be contaminated with three varieties of bacteria and fungi.

W.S. Badger Co. Inc. announced the recall after the products were tested and found to contain Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida parapsilosis and Acremonium fungi. While no adverse reactions have been reported in connection with these products, the microbial contaminants can cause illness in animals and humans.

Both sunscreens are sold in the U.S and in Canada online and at major retailers as well as independent food co-ops and pharmacies. This product can be identified by matching the UPC with the Lot code, which is found on the top front of the tube crimp.

Parents who have purchased these lotions should not use them and may return products for a full refund, or contact Badger directly at 1-800-603-6100 or recalls@badgerbalm.com.

Badger Founder & CEO Bill Whyte acted quickly and responsibly upon learning of the problem. "All of these lots passed the required microbiological and comprehensive challenge testing prior to sale. It was during routine re-testing that we discovered that the preservative system in several lots had been compromised. In our 18-year history, this voluntary recall is a first. We continue to conduct rigorous testing and are taking steps to ensure this doesn't happen in the future."

Badger sunscreen lotions receive top ratings on the Environmental Working Group (EWG)'s 2013 Guide to Sunscreens. A leading health research and advocacy organization, EWG awarded Badger for using only food-grade emulsifiers and natural preservatives that are gentle on the skin and protect only with non-nano zinc oxide - the safest single active ingredient available.

EWG researchers found that only 25 percent of products on the market in 2013 offer strong and broad UV protection and pose few safety concerns; Badger products were among them.